BLACK PANTHER (12A)****
THE lucrative Marvel Comics universe will expand exponentially in the next 12 months.
Avengers: Infinity War and Ant-Man And The Wasp are waiting in the wings, tightly coiled with droll humour and hyperkinetic energy to discharge during the summer blockbuster months.
First out of the digitally augmented blocks is a rousing standalone adventure for the eponymous African king, who we first encountered in a snazzy vibranium-enriched bodysuit in the superhero battle royale Captain America: Civil War.
If Black Panther, directed with swagger by Ryan Coogler, is emblematic of things to come from the comic books pantheon then roll on 2018 because this frenetically edited odyssey of self-doubt and redemption is the big cat’s whiskers.
In some respects, this is identikit filmmaking from Marvel: prodigal sons tormented by the loss of powerful fathers, computer-generated characters trading bone-crunching blows in mid-air, a throwaway cameo for comic book maven Stan Lee and additional scenes concealed in end credits.
Genetic flaws aside, Coogler’s slinky picture is barnstorming entertainment of the highest pedigree, which sinks its narrative claws into present-day racial tensions and gender inequality with relish.
Female characters are feisty, intelligent and refuse to sit demurely on the sidelines while engaging yet flawed male counterparts have all the fun. As one proud warrior reminds her regal lover: the choice to rule as queen rests in her hands.
Running Time: 134mins Director: Ryan Coogler